Minneapolis Historical Bar Crawl: Hidden Bars & Stories

Discover Minneapolis’s Hidden Drinking Gems with a Historic Twist

If you’re looking for a way to experience Minneapolis beyond the usual tourist spots, the Minneapolis Historical Bar Crawl: Hidden Bars & Stories offers a compelling blend of craft cocktails, local history, and vibrant neighborhoods. This 3-hour guided tour takes you through some of the city’s most unique bars, giving you insider access, stories, and a taste of what makes Minneapolis special.

What makes this experience stand out? Firstly, it’s the storytelling—you’re not just sipping drinks but learning about the city’s past in a way that feels natural and engaging. Secondly, the curated selection of bars, including places like Berlin Bar and Spoon and Stable, ensures you’re visiting venues that locals love. Lastly, the guide, Colin, or others like him, is passionate and knowledgeable, making each stop memorable. The only potential consideration is the walking involved, which might be a bit much for those with mobility issues or knee concerns.

This tour is perfect for anyone who craves authentic local culture, enjoys craft beverages, and loves stories that bring a city’s history to life. Whether you’re a history buff, a craft drink enthusiast, or simply seeking a fun, social way to explore Minneapolis, this experience offers real value and genuine insight.

Good To Know

• Authentic Minneapolis Culture: Experience the city’s personality through curated bars and storytelling.
• Insider Access: Guaranteed entry to popular venues even during busy times.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Local storytellers like Colin enhance the experience with deep city knowledge.
• Craft Beverage Education: Learn about Minneapolis’s brewing roots, from lumberjack days to modern distilleries.
• Social Experience: Connect with fellow travelers in a fun, relaxed setting.
• Flexible & Convenient: Tour starts at a central location with an easy-to-follow itinerary.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Minneapolis Historical Bar Crawl

The Tour Itself: A Perfect Balance of Drinks, Stories, and Neighborhoods

The tour lasts around three hours, beginning at the Kickernick Building in downtown Minneapolis. From there, you’ll walk between four hand-picked venues, each chosen for their distinctive drinks and local charm. The guiding principle? Great drinks, great stories, and a real taste of Minneapolis life.

The tour kicks off with your first drink on the house at the starting point, setting a friendly, welcoming tone. The guide, often a local like Colin, takes a conversational approach, weaving fascinating tales about Minneapolis’s evolution — from rebellious lumberjack days to its current craft beverage scene. Reviewers like Harald from Germany praised the personalized touch, noting that the guide’s effort made a significant difference, and the stories made the bars come alive.

What You’ll Visit and Experience

Berlin Bar is often highlighted as a must-see during this crawl. Known for its distinctive cocktails and a vibe that attracts locals, it’s a place where you can start appreciating Minneapolis’s craft scene. Guests like the GetYourGuide travelers loved that their guides helped them discover places they wouldn’t have found alone — “We had such an enjoyable time with Collin. He got to know what we liked and we discovered places we didn’t know existed!”

Next, you visit spots like Spoon and Stable or Public Domain, which even some locals might find tricky to access during busy hours. This guaranteed entry ensures you won’t waste your time waiting in lines, and it adds a layer of exclusivity to the experience.

Behind-the-scenes access at some venues allows you to meet bartenders and learn about the venue’s backstory, adding a personal element to your drinks. You’ll try local favorites such as Fulton, Modist, or Bricksworth beers, learning about Minneapolis’s brewing heritage, which dates back to lumberjack days.

Drinking and Learning

The tour doesn’t just stop at tasting; it’s educational too. You’ll learn about the city’s brewing history, including how Minneapolis became a hub for craft brewing. Beers typically range from $5 to $10, while cocktails fall between $15 and $25, giving you an idea of the value for money. Reviewers like Kristine pointed out that the experience is accessible in terms of cost, especially considering the insider access and storytelling involved.

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The Atmosphere and Group Dynamics

Groups tend to be small enough to foster intimacy but lively enough for engaging conversations. The tour’s walking component is manageable for most, but reviewers like Kristine recommended noting the distance if mobility is a concern. The tour moves through neighborhoods locals frequently visit, making it a genuine way to see Minneapolis from a local’s perspective.

The Guide: Knowledge, Personality, and Local Charm

Feedback consistently praises guides like Colin for being engaging, friendly, and deeply knowledgeable. Harald called Colin “prompt, friendly, fun and knowledgeable,” and many others echoed that sentiment. They’re not just narrating facts; they’re sharing stories that make the history stick, and they’re happy to answer questions or suggest other local spots after the tour ends.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

Cost & Value: At $79 per person, this tour offers good value when you consider the curated venues, guaranteed entries, and behind-the-scenes access. Plus, your first drink is included, helping you get comfortable from the start.

Duration: Three hours feels just right — long enough to soak in the stories and enjoy multiple drinks without feeling rushed.

Start Point & Accessibility: Starting at the Kickernick Building in downtown Minneapolis, the tour is centrally located. It is wheelchair accessible, which broadens its appeal.

What to Bring: Remember your ID or passport, closed-toe shoes for walking, and an open mind ready to enjoy both drinks and stories.

Additional Costs: Expect to pay for additional drinks beyond your first one. Prices are typical for downtown Minneapolis, ranging from $5 to $25 depending on your drink choice.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want more than just a bar crawl — they want stories, history, and a taste of local culture. It’s perfect for those who enjoy learning as they sip, and for anyone keen to explore neighborhoods that aren’t on the typical tourist trail.

It’s also great for groups, couples, or solo travelers who appreciate guided insights and behind-the-scenes access. Since the tour is crafted with local passion, it’s especially suited to those interested in Minneapolis’s craft beverage scene or local history buffs wanting a fun, social outing.

The Sum Up: A Unique Blend of Culture, Drinks, and Stories

This Minneapolis historical bar crawl offers a rare chance to experience the city’s vibrant drinking culture intertwined with its intriguing past. With guaranteed venue access, engaging guides, and a well-balanced mix of history and socializing, it’s a good choice for those who want an authentic local experience without the hassle of planning individual visits.

The tour’s emphasis on storytelling adds a dimension that elevates it beyond a typical bar hop, giving you context and connection with the city’s roots. The price reflects good value, especially with the included first drink and behind-the-scenes access.

If you’re curious about Minneapolis’s character, enjoy craft drinks, or want to meet fellow travelers in a relaxed setting, this tour delivers. It’s especially well-suited for those who appreciate local insights and a lively, friendly atmosphere.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
It involves walking between venues, but most reviewers found the distance manageable. If mobility is a concern, it’s worth checking with the provider ahead of time.

What is included in the price?
Your first drink is on us at the start, access to four signature venues, behind-the-scenes experiences at some locations, and a knowledgeable local guide.

Are additional drinks expensive?
Yes, most drinks are in the $5–$25 range, so you might want to budget accordingly if planning to indulge beyond the first included drink.

Can I join this tour if I’m not familiar with Minneapolis?
Absolutely. The guide’s stories and venue choices are designed to introduce you to the city’s neighborhoods and history from a local’s perspective.

What are the start and end times?
The tour typically lasts three hours and is usually scheduled in the afternoon, starting at the Kickernick Building in downtown Minneapolis.

Is the tour family-friendly?
No, it’s only for those over 21 due to alcohol consumption.

How do I secure my spot?
You can reserve in advance with the option to pay later, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

What should I bring?
A valid ID or passport, closed-toe shoes, and an open spirit ready to enjoy Minneapolis’s stories and drinks.

This guided bar experience is a wonderful way to uncover the soul of Minneapolis, blending history and craft beverages into a fun, social adventure. Whether you’re a history lover, a craft beer enthusiast, or simply looking to explore the city like a local, this tour offers genuine value and memorable moments.

You can check if your dates are available here: